Friday, 20 February 2015

The debate about the construction of the Keystone XL
pipeline has heated up again in the United States, perhaps ironically at a time
when gas prices are at near record lows. The debate about the construction of
the pipeline is long-running, and it is not clear if it is going to be resolved
at any time soon. US President Barack Obama has pledged to veto any approval of
the pipeline construction, despite both Congressional and Senate support for
the bill.

Indigenous opposition to the construction of the pipeline
remains steadfast, on both the Canadian and American sides of the border (see here, here and here).

The opposition to the construction of the pipeline has been
the focus of organised protests in Washington DC, including a combination of
ranchers and indigenous peoples who formed the “Cowboy and Indian Alliance”. The “Cowboy and Indian Alliance” gathered for
a 5 day protest in Washington DC in April 2014.

Whether the latest actions in Washington DC around possible
approval or veto of the pipeline will result in further protests by this
Alliance remains to be seen.